The meeting opened with Warren sharing some images he has captured this Spring.

The meeting opened with discussion about the advantages of using Apple’s Preview instead of Adobe Reader. Daniel brought up the feature of being able to place signatures on PDFs you need to send that requires them.

Geof mentioned that he had someone who is able to charge their iPhone 6 with the computer, but iTunes does not recognize it to sync or transfer images. They have tried zapping the PRAM and a hard reboot of the iPhone as well as the computer. Trying to connect it to another Mac, with a different cable, and with a an iPhone that works with another computer as well.

Midge was looking to have her Apple menu show up above her Chrome browser menu. Daniel had her click on the green button in the browser window and it resized the window.

There was a discussion about upgrading various software applications. Some folks have a “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it attitude” and others have rolled back the versions of some application to a version they had that worked and was speedier.

The question of Flash came up again. There are two versions of Flash on the Mac that work with different browsers. When the update alert shows up, one must make sure they are downloading and installing the correct or both versions to work with their installed browser. Note that Chrome updates Flash and Java within the browsers. Even though HTML5 is replacing Flash, many companies have not changed or do not want to make the investment to make the switch. Flash, not the player version on your computer, has a stiff learning curve and is not free.

There was a question about Macs vs Windows computers. This led into opinions about the quality, lack of exploitations (malware and viruses), and ease of use. However, it was pointed out one does not need the latest computer to fully and properly use software to meet their needs. As far as viruses and malware, the archived minutes are full of conversations on the exploitations and handling of them. Some members who interface with people sending them Windows files, use an antivirus that also detects viruses that may be on this files. Some folks will never need the protection antiviruses provide. Your browsing habits and cautious opening of suspect emails is key to not having issues.

Someone asked about removing applications and files they no longer need or use. There are applications and helpers to help you move all the applications, if the developer does not include an uninstaller. AppCleaner is one such application. But some, like MacKeeper, need to have all the associated files in the library removed manually. If one searches for the name of application, “removal” and “Macintosh” you should be able to find out how to remove the more complicated application to remove. MacKeeper is “NOT” recommended for use on Macs.

There was a discussion about macros and how they are probably not needed if you don’t know what they do and if you are only making changes for your benefit.

There was also a discussion about using iCloud to keep files on for backup and that are used on more than one computer. Scott keeps his QuickBooks files on iCloud, so he can work on them at any of the locations he is working at and has an internet connection. Apple offers 5 GB free and for charges for more. 50 GB is $.99 a month, 200 GB is $2.99 a month, and 1 TB is $9.99 a month.

Just log on to iCloud in System Preferences with each device and iCloud will should show up in your sidebar, in Favorites, on your computer.

There was also a discussion about Amazon and issues dealing with it from a seller’s standpoint. There was also a question about jet.com (smaller but similar to Amazon) as to who had used it and what was going on with its purchase by Walmart.

There was a discussion about opening Appleworks files with iWork (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote). iWork version 9.x will open them and then you’ll have to save them in the preferred format that the newer versions can use. The newer versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote will not open the files, but there are links for scripts that will convert them at https://app.box.com/s/00qnssoyeq2xvc22ra4k.